UNIV - Research Specialist - Department of Medicine: Division of Rheumatology

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a candidate who will assist our ongoing research directed toward understanding mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis. The candidate will perform supervised work on several projects using mice, human samples, and cultured cells. General duties will include breeding, weaning and genotyping genetically altered mice, assisting in collection, processing and cataloging tissue samples from mice, culture of primary cells, RNA and protein extraction, performing various biologic analyses (gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, etc.),

analyzing protein levels in blood of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and controls, and participating in laboratory discussions, organization and regulatory procedures. Maintenance of up-to-date, comprehensive and neat laboratory records will be required. Will require occasional weekend work.

• 35% Perform variety of cell and molecular biological techniques, record data. Analyze experimental results using appropriate software; help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication.
• 25% Analyze blood samples or conditioned media for target proteins using ELISA assays.
• 20% Assist in culture of primary cells and cell lines, perform gain and loss of function experiments such as siRNA transfection and adenoviral infection.
• 10% Maintain mouse colony and perform experimental and routine procedures using established approvals and protocols.
• 5% Develop and test new laboratory methods to meet changing needs; troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• 5% Maintain laboratory supplies; prepare media, buffers, and other reagents as needed. Keep complete laboratory records/notebook.

• Strong organizational and communication skills, ability to manage diverse tasks and work well in a team.
• Knowledge of small-volume fluid handling, RNA procedures, tissue culture/sterile technique, mouse manipulation, ELISA, and general cell, molecular, biochemical, and/or immunological methods preferred and desired.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and primary sterile cell culture techniques preferred.
• Highly motivated, detail oriented, committed to excellence and keen intellectual interest in the science behind the projects.
• Proficiency with computers and experience with spreadsheet, statistical, and graphical software preferred.
• Previous experience handling mice is a plus.
• Under supervision from the lab manager and principal investigator, perform complex biological procedures and analyses in a basic science laboratory; meticulous technique and optimization required; help prepare experimental results for presentation and publication.

• A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may substitute for the two years of required experience.

Continuous 6-8 hours per shift; frequent 2-6 hours per shift; infrequent 0-2 hours per shift. Ability to perform job functions in an upright position; ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile; ability to climb, using step stool; ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100°

F); ability to work in confined/cramped spaces; ability to bend at the waist; ability to twist at the waist; ability to fully use both hands/arms; ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders; ability to fully use both legs; ability to reach in all directions; ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction; ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs.;

ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet; ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet; ability to push/pull file boxes; ability to maneuver heavy equipment; ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements; ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes;

ability to match or discriminate between colors; ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems; ability to hear and/or understand conversations; ability to work in a darkroom for processing film; ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually.

• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All…